NYRA Statement Regarding New York Task Force On Racehorse Health And Safety Report

By Dan Silver | 09/28/2012 06:52 PM ET

The following is a statement from NYRA President and Chief Operating Officer Ellen McClain regarding the final report by the New York Task Force on Racehorse Health and Safety issued on Friday, September 28:

“We thank Dr. Scott E. Palmer, Dr. Mary Scollay, Jerry Bailey, and Alan Foreman for their extensive work on the Racehorse Health and Safety Report. The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is committed to safety and integrity in racing. Notwithstanding the recent Aqueduct inner track meet, NYRA’s safety record has been among the best in the industry, and as the report indicates, our track maintenance is state of the art. We further thank the task force and Governor Cuomo for the commitment to continue to work with NYRA as we implement all of the recommendations.

“We understand that among the recommendations in the report are reform of the veterinary structure, stronger drug prohibitions, and new claiming and purse rules. While we recognize that some of these protocols are strictly in the purview of the NYSRWB, we look forward to working with the State to create an even safer environment for our horses and jockeys, and strengthen the New York racing industry so that it can continue to provide thousands of jobs and economic support for New York, the leading racing jurisdiction in the nation.”